Well, this thread is full of the usual embarassing and ill-informed muck.
Hang in there awec -it's just swung round to actual football in the last wee while. To whit - NB I suspect you're low-balling as I can't even remember the last time we scored 4 or 5 against anyone. We just don't. We scored three (and let one in) against Andorra.
" I wish to God that someone would be able to block out the voices in my head for five minutes, the voices that scream, over and over again: "Why do they come to me to die?"
Last time we scored more than 3 was probably San Marino back in Staunton times. The last game at the old Lansdowne if I remember correctly. We got 4 in a friendly against Denmark around the same time.
I asked Dick Advocaat and Alex Bruce for their opinions.Originally Posted by EalingGreen
Anything is possible however the outcome of different possibilities have varying degrees of probability.
I merely stated that in my opinion NI will be more determined and motivated to get a result for reasons already stated. It would be incorrect of you to perceive that as an "excuse".
Thinking of a boycott?
Is that "you" singular or plural?
About Scotland?
Very Donald Rumsfeld...
You alluded to the possibility that ROI will be less motivated, since they will be "rested" prior to their ECQ in June, with NI being more motivated due to playing in Dublin etc.
You ignored the other possibility which is that ROI will be more motivated due to their June game ("dress rehearsal", fighting for places etc), whereas NI might be less motivated (on an "end-of-term", nothing to play for basis).
I do not know which will apply, if either, whereas you feel you do. I salute your powers of prophecy.
My position is quite clear. Whilst part of me always wants to follow NI where possible, and I always like to visit new stadia, another part of me is unwilling to put money in the pocket of the FAI.
My "solution" to this conundrum is that I will be following the team's fortunes as keenly as ever, just not from a seat in the stand. (In taking this stance, I suspect I am in a minority amongst NI fans, btw.)
Meanwhile, I may travel to Wrexham to watch our U-18's play Wales, which falls on the day of the Scot v NI game in Dublin - not decided yet.
Whichever "you" prefer...
You interpreted my post as making excuses to which I stated that would be incorrect.
You assume that I have ignored this which would also be incorrect. Fielding a second string side for the NI game is not designed to make excuses, and would not necessarily weaken our chances of winning.
Yes I agree. Your position is quite clearly tainted with misdirected bitterness.
Yes - its a little tricky to predict how Trapp will approach these games from a team selection perspective although my hunch is that he'd rest some key players with the Macedonia game in mind.
We need to win the Macedonia game and it will need to be our primary focus.
I expect the Lansdowne crowd to be quite subdued so "home advantage" may not play a huge part. Its not exactly fortress Lansdowne and hasn't been for a long time.
On the pitch, at least, I think this fixture could be lively enough - one or two eagerly contested tackles early on could easily raise the stakes.
Given our conservative tactics, Northern Ireland could easily unsettle us if they move the ball with pace and try and play a bit...............
Quoting years at random since 1975
Trap should give some of the new/future players a go in he Celtic cup. It might be just about competitive enough to have a look at some players and see if they can impress Trap.
I agree. The occasion would be ideal to integrate those making strong claims for themselves. Coleman and Long spring immediately to mind. I'm eager to see Clark and Foley in the green too.
Lads, when's the squad announcement for the wales game? I can't remember
Il Trap will be in Ireland on Monday (24th of January) to announce it.
Start a thread there: "Republic of Ireland Squad V Wales 8/2" and we'll see who can get closest to the squad.
There are premier league games before and after so we'll only have 1 full days training before hand.
Does anyone know how many subs will be allowed? This is probably only a semi-competitive tournament so I suppose it could be either three like a normal competitive match or six like an international friendly.
My Guarantee
Am looking for old Irish matches on VHS, PM me if you have some and I'll upload them here
i would say because it is a tournament that tournament rules will apply Worm i.e. 3 subs.
I like high energy football. A little bit rock and roll. Many finishes instead of waiting for the perfect one.
Its not an official Fifa or Uefa tournament tho, my money is on 6 subs
Squad for the Welsh match to be named today. Hope to see new faces.
Last edited by TrapAPony; 24/01/2011 at 1:43 PM.
"We lost because we didn't win"- Ronaldo
Given
Westwood
O'Shea
Clark
Coleman
Dunne
St Ledger
Foley
Kilbane
S Kelly
O'Dea
McShane
Wilson
Gibson
Whelan
Green
Lawrence
Hunt
McGeady
Treacy
Duff
Fahey
Keane
Walters
Doyle
Long
Keogh
Best
Stokes
How can he leave Stephen Ward out ?
Also, James McCarthy is back from injury and no sign of him.
Wilson, Coleman and Clark called up again, hopefully they'll get a proper run-out this time. I assume McCarthy is absent for the same reason as Andrews, i.e. match fitness. Both were on the bench for their clubs recently. It'll be interesting to see who Trap calls up in an extended squad when Andrews, McCarthy and Meyler are all back to full fitness. Surprised that Keogh is back in, Stokes gets his reward for good form. Disappointed that Green makes it again.
Why does Keogh, Kilbane, Green, O'Dea and McShane constantly get called up? What work do FAI scouts do?
Last edited by TrapAPony; 24/01/2011 at 2:31 PM.
"We lost because we didn't win"- Ronaldo
Kilbane gets the call because he can supposedly play left back, a weak position for us.
Green, for all his faults, is the only player in the squad who plays week in, week out at central midfield for his club.
Posting Permissions
Quote
Bookmarks